The largest-single attraction investment in the history of Dollywood theme park is close to its public unveiling, with Big Bear Mountain set to officially open to visitors on May 12.
Promising to go “BIG” in 2023, Big Bear Mountain does just that for Dollywood. The orange track and SUV-styled coaster cars take riders on an adventure into the wilderness to find “Big Bear”.
The US$25m (€23.5m, £20.7m) Vekoma-designed steel coaster will feature three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels, including a pass behind a real waterfall.
Travelling along the edges of the park’s Wildwood Grove, the ride reaches speeds of up to 48mph (77.2kmph), reaching a maximum height of 66ft (20.1m).
The gigantic coaster is also a longer experience, with the ride lasting nearly two minutes over 3,990ft (1,216m) of track. Big Bear Mountain also features onboard audio, including music and announcements from Ned Oakley - Benjamin Bear’s caretaker.
Preview events will take place on select dates from May 8 through May 14, with registration for passholders opening on May 1.
See more of the biggest rollercoaster openings in 2023 here
